SUPPORt
The following information has been sourced from reputable references and was neither developed nor created by The Joan Rotondi Hope & Empowerment Foundation. All resources are linked for your reference.
Symptoms
The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition’s Every Woman Study™ (2018) discovered that more than 90% of women experienced several of the key symptoms regardless of stage or type of ovarian cancer.
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Pelvic / abdominal pain
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Increased abdominal size / bloating
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Difficulty eating or feeling full
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Urinary urgency or increased frequency
The International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership found that in high-income countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Denmark), awareness of key symptoms, like persistent bloating, was consistently low. In the UK specifically, 34% of people felt they might waste a doctor's time by reporting symptoms of ovarian cancer. Additionally, knowledge about age and other risk factors was generally low across all countries studied.
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms refer to the Take Action details below.
Source: World Ovarian Cancer Coalition. (2023). World Ovarian Cancer Coalition Atlas 2023. Retrieved from https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/World-Ovarian-Cancer-Coalition-Atlas-2023-FINAL.pdf. Accessed 24 Aug. 2024.
RISK FACTORS
As the following section outlines, there are certain factors that increase or decrease a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer:
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Family history
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Age
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Geographic location
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Hormonal, reproductive and lifestyle factors
The type of ovarian cancer and the age at which it is diagnosed can also be affected by some of the above factors too.
Family History
For many years, it’s been known that ovarian cancer
tends to run in some families more than in the general
population. A breakthrough in 1994 revealed that mutations
in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly increase the risk
of breast and ovarian cancer. This led to the development of
tests that identify these inherited mutations, helping to
determine which women are at higher risk.
The most significant hereditary risk factors for ovarian cancer are mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Women with BRCA1 mutations have a 39%-44% chance of developing ovarian cancer by age 80, while those with BRCA2 mutations have an 11%-17% risk. About 18% of certain ovarian cancer cases are linked to inherited BRCA mutations.
Until recently, genetic testing was mainly recommended for women with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer. However, new insights have led to broader testing guidelines, helping to identify more women at risk and tailor individualized treatments.
Source: FIG. 12 FACTORS LINKED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF OVARIAN CANCER (p. 28). World Ovarian Cancer Coalition. (2023). World Ovarian Cancer Coalition Atlas 2023.
Age
The risk of ovarian cancer is widely recognized as being strongly related to age, with the highest rates typically seen in older women. However, this peak age varies by country. Factors such as other health conditions, tumor types, and exposure to risk factors may explain these differences. For instance, a review of studies found that the median age at diagnosis ranged from 50 to 79 across different populations.
Geographic Location
The rates of ovarian cancer vary widely around the world. According to data from 2020, the highest rates are found in more developed countries, where more than 8 out of every 100,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In contrast, in Sub-Saharan Africa, the rate is much lower, with fewer than 4 out of 100,000 women being diagnosed. However, the death rates from ovarian cancer are more consistent across different regions.
Studies have shown that ovarian cancer incidence rates vary between different racial groups. For example, White women have a higher incidence of ovarian cancer (12.8 per 100,000) compared to Black women (9.8 per 100,000). However, African American women experience higher mortality rates, likely due to less access to advanced diagnostics and treatments, leading to later-stage diagnoses and shorter survival times.
A study in California over 10 years also revealed that African American women with advanced-stage ovarian cancer, along with those from lower socio-economic backgrounds or treated by less experienced providers, are less likely to receive surgery, chemotherapy, or standard treatments. This underscores the impact of racial and socio-economic disparities on cancer outcomes.
Hormonal, Reproductive & Lifestyle Factors
Researchers examined risk factors across different age groups and regions, finding:
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Women who have ever smoked have a 6% higher risk of ovarian cancer compared to those who never smoked.
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A healthy diet is associated with a 14% reduction in risk, while a Western-style diet high in red and processed meats is linked to a 19% increase in risk.
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Early life diet plays a crucial role in risk.
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Overweight women have a 7% higher risk, and obese women face a 28% higher risk.
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Every five years of oral contraceptive pill use reduces the risk by 20%.
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Each childbirth reduces the risk, with women who have children having a 30% lower risk compared to those without children. 30% lower risk compared to those without children.
Source: World Ovarian Cancer Coalition. (2023). World Ovarian Cancer Coalition Atlas 2023. Retrieved from https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/World-Ovarian-Cancer-Coalition-Atlas-2023-FINAL.pdf. Accessed 24 Aug. 2024.
TAKE ACTION
Proactive Steps for Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer
Regular Women's Health Exams:
During a pelvic exam, your healthcare provider checks the ovaries and uterus for any irregularities in size, shape, or texture. While pelvic exams may not always detect early-stage ovarian tumors due to their often small size and difficult-to-feel nature, they are valuable for identifying other female health issues. It's important to discuss the frequency and necessity of these exams with your doctor.
Stay Alert to Symptoms and Advocate for Yourself:
Ovarian cancer can often present with subtle symptoms, such as bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, and changes in urinary habits. Unfortunately, these symptoms can sometimes be dismissed by healthcare providers as less serious conditions. If you experience these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks, it’s crucial to be assertive in seeking further evaluation. Advocate for yourself by clearly communicating your concerns and requesting specific tests, such as a transvaginal ultrasound or, if a mass is detected, an OvaWatch® test. Numerous women have found that being proactive and persistent with their doctors has led to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment. Remember, you know your body best, and your concerns deserve to be taken seriously.
Risk Assessment for Ovarian Cancer:
Routine screening for ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women remains a challenge. However, certain tests can be useful when symptoms are present:
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Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVUS): This imaging test uses sound waves to examine the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. It can detect the presence of a mass in the ovaries, though it cannot determine whether the mass is cancerous or benign. If a mass is found, further testing is usually needed to assess its nature.
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OvaWatch® Test: Traditionally, a CA125 test is used to detect ovarian cancer, however it is notoriously unreliable as a standalone screening tool. Elevated CA125 levels can be caused by a benign conditions like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, and not all women with ovarian cancer will have elevated CA125 levels. The OvaWatch® test is a significant advancement, particularly when a mass has already been identified by ultrasound. OvaWatch® combines multiple biomarkers and advanced algorithms to provide a more accurate assessment of whether a detected mass is likely to be benign. This test is designed to offer clearer guidance for further diagnostic steps, reducing the uncertainty and anxiety often associated with the diagnosis of an adnexal mass.
ADVOCACY
The Power of Being Proactive
Being proactive with your health and staying attuned to your symptoms can significantly impact your well-being and increase your chances of early detection, particularly with ovarian cancer. Speaking up and standing firm when discussing concerns with your doctor are vital. Strong self-advocacy can make a crucial difference, as those who assertively communicate their symptoms may detect ovarian cancer earlier. This proactive approach empowers you to take control of your health, ensuring that your voice is heard and your care aligns with your needs.
Empowering Yourself
Empowering yourself in your cancer journey involves gaining the knowledge and skills to actively participate in your care. By understanding your diagnosis, treatment options, and their impacts, you can make informed decisions and communicate effectively with your medical team. In today’s complex healthcare environment, being informed and assertive patient is more important than ever. Collaboration with healthcare providers and support networks is key to overcoming challenges and ensuring the best possible care.
A Collective Effort
Advocacy extends beyond the individual—it includes families, friends, healthcare providers, and caregivers. Anyone who takes an active role in making informed decisions about treatment and quality of life after a cancer diagnosis is an advocate. Whether advocating for yourself or others, at a personal, community, or national level, this shared responsibility strengthens the broader community of those living with, through, and beyond cancer. By staying informed, communicating openly, and participating in decision-making, we contribute to a culture of empowerment and support that benefits all who are affected by cancer.